“But Jacob said, 'I will not let you go unless you bless me.'” (v.26)
Back in chapter 31 the LORD said to Jacob, “Return to the land of your fathers and to your relatives, and I will be with you” (v.3). On his journey back to the land of his family, Jacob worried what Esau might do to settle old scores, and since patterns are hard to break, he relied on himself to solve the problem. He sent a “test message” to his brother, he strategically divided his people and goods into two groups, and sent gifts ahead to appease Esau's anger (these might be an implied apology as well).
The pattern may be familiar, but Jacob actually was not the same man as before. He prayed fervently for God to save him, acknowledging his unworthiness, giving God the glory for his protection and success, and claiming His promises (vv. 9-12).
That night, he wrestled alone with God, though he didn't realize it was God until the end. In this encounter, he learned he couldn't prevail by his own strength. His inability to triumph physically was a metaphor for his inability to solve problems his own way. God left Jacob with a limp, one he would bear for the rest of his life as a reminder of his weakness.
But He also left him with a blessing, not because Jacob bargained but because he pleaded for it (v.26). In addition, the Lord gave the patriarch a new name, Israel, meaning “he struggles with God” (v. 28). You have to admire Jacob’s tenacity. He wanted his brother’s birthright (Chapter 25) and took it, He wanted his father’s blessing and took that (Chapter 27), but now he wanted the blessing of the Lord. He sought God, found Him, and received the blessing of a new name, "Israel”.
If you have ever wrestled with God in prayer, you know from your experience how it changes you. You may not have a physical limp as a result, but God does use those times to transform our hearts and minds. The application here is simple, hold on to your faith. Never let go no mater what you may wrestle with in life. Seek the Lord and His blessing above all things.
The Truth: “Seek the Lord and His strength; Seek His face evermore!” (Psalm 105:4)
